Downing Dramatic Society

DDS welcomes funding applications from directors from any college, to put on plays of any type, at any time of year, and at any venue. We are also able to provide venues in Downing College for one or two shows per term (for more information see the list of potential venues). Typically the funding available ranges between £300 and £600 pounds per show.

There is no such thing as an ideal application, but below we set out the broad areas that we would expect an application to cover. This is intended to be a reassurance to those with little experience of applying, rather than a formula for a successful application! In general we ask that applications be between 4 and 8 pages of A4. All applications are followed up by an informal interview (which is very much a two-way process!) so don't worry if there's anything you're unsure about! Alternatively, just email the Secretary with queries.

Details of show - what, where, when, what time, etc.
Plot synopsis. Give a rough outline of what happens in the play, focussing on those scenes you consider most pivotal. If you can also submit a copy of the script, that would be very helpful - especially in the case of a New Writing application.
Your interpretation - what do you, as a director, want to bring to the show to make it distinctive? What is the play about for you? How do you intend to communicate this to the audience through your manipulation of the actors?
Use of the venue. How are you going to use the space effectively? What set requirements will you have, and how will these be effective?
Technical requirements. What lighting/sound/other effects would you want to use? Why?
Costume/ Make-up. Again, are there special requirements you have? How do your visions of costume and make-up fit into the broader context of your interpretation of the play?
Publicity ideas. How would you market the show, both conceptually (e.g. in poster design) and practically?
Budget. Be as detailed as possible - make sure you put enough money into publicity - this poster and flyer malarkey can get pretty expensive pretty fast!!
Estimated profit/loss. Be honest! A show expecting to make a loss is certainly not going to be automatically rejected if we feel it to be of artistic and conceptual merit!
YOUR CONTACT DETAILS - so we can arrange an interview!

We look forward to receiving your application!